Link chain for power drives

Abstract

An endless standard link chain closed with a quarter- or half-turn twist to increase the contact length by a factor of four or two, respectively, and thus extend its life when used on power drives utilizing sprockets capable of engaging standard link chains.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging a standard link chain, and an endless standard link chain closed with a quarter-turn twist to increase its contact length by a factor of four, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets. 
     
     
       2. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging a standard link chain, and an endless standard link chain closed with n quarters-turn twist to increase its contact length by a factor of four, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets, wherein n is an odd integer. 
     
     
       3. The link chain as recited in claim 2 wherein n is 1. 
     
     
       4. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging a standard link chain, and an endless standard link chain closed with a half-turn twist to increase its contact length by a factor of two, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets. 
     
     
       5. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging standard link chains, and an endless standard link chain closed with n halves-turn twist to increase its contact length by a factor of two, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets, wherein n is an odd integer. 
     
     
       6. The link chain as recited in claim 5 wherein n is 1. 
     
     
       7. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging link chains, and an endless link chain closed with a twist to increase its contact length, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets. 
     
     
       8. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging standard link chains, and an even number of links coupled to form an endless standard link chain closed with a half-turn twist to increase its contact length by a factor of two, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets, wherein said number is greater than 2. 
     
     
       9. A power drive including sprockets capable of engaging standard link chains, and an odd number of links coupled to form an endless standard link chain closed with a quarter-turn twist to increase its contact length by a factor of four, and thus extend its life when used on said power drive utilizing said sprockets, wherein said number is greater than 3. 
     
     
       10. A combination comprising an endless standard link chain formed from a standard link chain by rotating one end 180° and attaching it to its other end, and a sprocket for engaging said chain and thus extend the life of the chain when used on a power drive utilizing said sprocket. 
     
     
       11. A combination comprising an endless standard link chain formed from a standard link chain by rotating one end 90° and attaching it to its other end, and a sprocket for engaging said chain and thus extend the life of the chain when used on a power drive utilizing said sprocket.